Can A Guy Get Assaulted?

Many people believe that sexual assaults do not happen to guys. That's not true. Studies done in Canada show that one in six males are sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday. Another study shows that males rarely tell anyone about the assaults.

Sexual assault can happen to males regardless of their age, whether they are good-looking or not, if they are gay or straight. Offenders don't care if their victims are intelligent, rich, or poor.

Male victims report that when they have told others about their sexual assault, they aren't often believed. If they are believed, they aren't taken seriously. Sexual assault can leave you, a male, feeling confused about your sexual identity, mistrustful of others, feeling angry, guilty, embarrassed and shamed. You may have flashbacks of the assault, nightmares, feel like hurting yourself or others.

It is really important to ask for help, even though it might be embarrassing.

Recently, Sheldon Kennedy, the former National Hockey League player, revealed that he was sexually assaulted as a teenager. The offender was his hockey coach.

Sometimes, people in positions of authority, like Sheldon's hockey coach, take advantage of the trust you have in them. They may use threats or cunning games to trick you. You may not be fully aware that what is happening is sexual assault. The offender also uses threats or bribes to keep guys from telling anyone.

Sexual assault is a crime. It's not your fault and you don't have to be alone. Ask for help.